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Abo‐, Inco‐, Ona‐, and Rima‐Botulinum Toxins in Clinical Therapy: A Primer
Author(s) -
Chen Jack J.,
Dashtipour Khashayar
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/phar.1196
Subject(s) - pharmacology , potency , medicine , botulinum toxin , drug , chemistry , anesthesia , biochemistry , in vitro
Botulinum neurotoxin (Bo NT ) is an acetylcholine release inhibitor and a neuromuscular‐blocking agent used for the treatment of a variety of medical and cosmetic indications. Currently, in the United States, there are four Bo NT formulations licensed for use: abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotulinumtoxinA, onabotulinumtoxinA, and rimabotulinumtoxinB. These revised name designations were established to reinforce the understanding that each Bo NT product has an individual potency and is not interchangeable with any other Bo NT product. The therapeutic use of Bo NT s is expanding and new formulations are on the horizon. This article is a primer that describes distinctions among currently available, licensed Bo NT formulations. Toxin pharmacology, product characteristics, storage, handling, preparation, and dosages will be reviewed. In addition, issues related to dose equivalency ratios, immunogenicity, potency, and toxin spread will be discussed. Therapeutic indications and safety are discussed briefly. Knowledge of the available and licensed Bo NT formulations and the ability to make distinctions in toxin pharmacology, product characteristics, and indications are vital for product selection, preparation, drug information, avoidance of drug errors, quality assurance, and patient safety.